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MAY 14, 2001

For the first time, the Australian government has complied with a long-standing request by Aborigines and has closing Ayers Rock to tourists out of respect for an elder who died on Sunday.

Known as Uluru, the rock is considered sacred to Aborigines. But it is a popular tourist draw and Aborigines have long asked the government to close it to climbers.

The elder was from the Anangu Tribe. It is not known when the rock will reopen.

Get the Story:
Ayers Rock closed to tourists following death of Aboriginal elder (AP 5/14)

Relevant Links:
Uluru, Pictures - http://www.crystalinks.com/ayersrock.html
Uluru, Pictures - http://home.a-city.de/christoph.schmidt/uluru/uluru.htm

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